Esteem Dental & Orthodontics
What Happens During a Dental Exam and Cleaning
Most people know they should visit the dentist twice a year — yet nearly one in three adults skips the chair entirely. Tooth decay, gum disease, and oral health conditions rarely announce themselves with pain until they have already progressed, which is why routine dental exams and cleanings are among the most powerful tools available for protecting your smile and your overall health.
At Esteem Dental in Lake Nona, Orlando, Dr. Jordan Jones, DDS, leads a team committed to making preventive care straightforward, comfortable, and accessible for the whole family. Whether you are coming in for your first cleaning in years or keeping up with a regular schedule, we are here to meet you where you are. We accept Aetna PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna PPO, Delta Dental, UnitedHealthcare PPO, and Medicare, and offer flexible financing through CareCredit and LendingClub.
Why Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings Are Essential
Regular dental exams and cleanings are the cornerstone of preventing dental problems before they become costly or painful. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 65.5% of adults had a dental exam or cleaning in the past year — meaning more than a third of the adult population is going without care that could prevent far more serious conditions. Routine visits are your most effective and affordable tool for protecting your smile long-term, and skipping them does not just affect your teeth: research has increasingly linked poor oral health to systemic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness.
At Esteem Dental in Lake Nona, Orlando, Dr. Jordan Jones and our team thoroughly assess the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth at every visit, identifying signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health concerns early. Catching a small cavity early means a simple filling. Leaving it unaddressed can mean a root canal or extraction down the road. Our exams also screen for early signs of oral cancer, a condition that is highly treatable when caught early. These visits are also a perfect opportunity to raise any concerns with Dr. Jones and get personalized guidance on your home care routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a dental exam and cleaning?
Most patients do best with a dental cleaning and exam every six months. Some individuals with gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or certain medical conditions may need more frequent visits. After your exam, Dr. Jordan Jones and the team will recommend a schedule tailored to your needs.
Will the cleaning hurt if my gums are sensitive?
You may feel mild pressure or brief sensitivity in areas where gums are inflamed, but cleanings should not be painful. Let us know if you are uncomfortable at any point and we can adjust our technique or take short breaks as needed.
What is included in a typical dental exam?
A standard appointment includes a full visual exam of your teeth, gums, and bite, a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, tooth polishing, and an oral cancer screening. Digital X-rays are taken when clinically necessary. Before we begin, we will walk you through what is planned.
Does insurance cover dental cleanings and exams?
Most dental insurance plans cover preventive cleanings and exams at a high percentage, sometimes with little or no copay. We accept Aetna PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna PPO, Delta Dental, UnitedHealthcare PPO, and Medicare. Our team is happy to review your benefits before your visit so there are no surprises.
Comprehensive Dental Care for Every Member of Your Family
From preventive checkups to complete smile makeovers, our experienced team provides personalized care in a welcoming environment.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A routine dental exam and cleaning is a two-part appointment, and both parts play a distinct role in keeping your mouth healthy. Understanding what to expect makes the experience less intimidating and helps you make the most of your time in the chair.
The Dental Exam
During the exam portion, Dr. Jordan Jones evaluates the health of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues. This includes checking for early signs of cavities, gum disease, enamel erosion, bite irregularities, and oral cancer. X-rays may be taken periodically to identify issues that are not visible to the naked eye, such as decay between teeth or changes in bone density.
The Professional Cleaning
After the exam, a dental hygienist performs the cleaning. Using specialized instruments, they remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing at home simply cannot reach. The cleaning also includes polishing the enamel surface, which removes surface stains and leaves teeth feeling noticeably smooth. The appointment closes with a thorough rinse and often a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel against future decay.
What We Check For at Every Visit
Each dental exam at Esteem Dental in Lake Nona, Orlando is thorough and individualized. Our team looks for a range of oral health concerns during your visit, including the following:
- Cavities and decay: Identifying weak spots in enamel before they develop into larger problems
- Gum health: Measuring pocket depth around teeth to assess for gingivitis or early periodontal disease
- Oral cancer screening: Examining soft tissues for any unusual changes or lesions
- Bite and jaw alignment: Evaluating whether your bite may be placing strain on teeth or contributing to grinding
- Existing restorations: Checking crowns, fillings, and other dental work to ensure they remain intact
These findings allow your dentist to create a personalized care plan. Patients who may benefit from more advanced care — such as orthodontic evaluation or oral surgery — are guided appropriately without having to visit multiple separate providers.
Dental Cleanings for Children and Families
Esteem Dental is a family practice, which means we see patients of all ages under one roof. Bringing children to the dentist early establishes healthy habits, reduces anxiety, and allows our team to monitor development as primary teeth give way to permanent ones. Our Lake Nona pediatric dental services are designed to make young patients feel welcome and at ease from the very first visit.
For parents, having one trusted practice for every member of the family simplifies scheduling and creates continuity of care. As children grow, your dentist may identify early signs that orthodontic intervention could be beneficial. Our team offers orthodontic care in addition to general and preventive services, making it easier to address multiple needs without coordinating care across different offices.
How Often Should You Schedule a Cleaning?
For most patients, twice-yearly cleanings — every six months — are the standard recommendation. However, some patients benefit from more frequent visits based on their individual risk profile. Those with a history of gum disease, patients who are pregnant, individuals with diabetes or dry mouth, and those undergoing orthodontic treatment may be advised to come in every three to four months.
Your dentist will make a recommendation based on what they observe at each visit, adjusting the schedule as your oral health changes. The goal is always to prevent problems from developing, not simply to react to them after the fact.
Interested in an Exam and Cleaning? Schedule Your Appointment With Our Team Today
At Esteem Dental, we believe preventive care should be easy to access, easy to understand, and something the whole family looks forward to. Our Lake Nona, Orlando office combines a welcoming atmosphere with comprehensive general, pediatric, and specialty services — so no matter what stage of life you are in, we have the care you need in one convenient location. We accept Aetna PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna PPO, Delta Dental, UnitedHealthcare PPO, and Medicare, and offer financing through CareCredit and LendingClub to make care as affordable as possible.
Routine dental exams and cleanings are the foundation of a healthy smile, and Dr. Jordan Jones and our team are here to make sure every visit is worth your time. Reach out to us today by calling (407) 476-5650 or filling out our contact form to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward better oral health for you and your family.
Dentist in Orlando, Florida.
Esteem Dental A Proud Provider Of General Dentistry Services
Related Services
Orlando General Dentistry
The Esteem Dental team is honored to serve Lake Nona and all of South Orlando with exceptional dental care. Let us know how our dental team can serve you and your family. We can’t wait to meet you!